Stay ConnectedChicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Going out at night in Chicago during the busiest season of the year is tough. You have to find the venue, figure out who the DJ is, how you’re getting back home — and then sometimes the hardest part is just getting through the line. That’s why we’re talking to the bouncer known as East Room Fatty. He works the door at the Logan Square venue now called Easy Does It, and he gives us the inside scoop on what bouncers want you to know before you get to the club or bar.
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The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 19-22 at the United Center and McCormick Place. If you’re reading this thinking those dates are perfect for a quick Midwestern road trip, we’ve got you. Executive producer Simone Alicea talked with American Weekender and Chicago magazine editor Amy Cavanaugh about some quick getaways, spots to eat, and great road trip tips.
Good News: Saturday Community Climb at Steelworkers Park and Sunday Tubing at Tippecanoe River
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Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate Tuesday. One name on the short list (though maybe not the short-short list) is Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. While host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea think his selection as vice presidential candidate is unlikely, they discuss how Pritzker made a name on the national stage. Plus, they talk about how the end of a local scholarship program mirrors an episode of “The Office,” and they ask if Chicago is over the summer festival hump.
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West Loop lost a lot of free parking this summer, which has us talking about the city’s infamous parking meter deal. In 2008, City Council voted to privatize Chicago’s parking meters for 75 years in return for $1 billion. But in the years since, analysis after analysis has shown the meters were worth much more, and the city lost out on revenues while investors earn a profit as Chicagoans pay some of the highest parking rates in the country. While he was at the Reader, Block Club Chicago reporter and editor Mick Dumke investigated the deal after it first passed. He tells host Jacoby Cochran why Chicago went for it, who challenged it, and how we feel the effects today.
Some good news: Chappell Roan’s local weightlifters at Lollapalooza
If you enjoyed today's interview with Ravinia Festival's Artistic Director, Erik Soderstrom, learn more here.
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Former President Donald Trump spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Chicago, and it went about as well (read: poorly) as you might expect. Freelance writer Britt Julious and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann are here with executive producer Simone Alicea to talk about what we learned, if anything, from the Republican nominee’s visit. They also offer tips for Lollapalooza weekend, reminisce about an iconic punk rock institution, and discuss the struggles of getting a rare medical diagnosis. Plus, we’ve got some good news about food influencer Keith Lee’s visit to Chicago and the upcoming Bears “Hard Knocks” premiere.
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If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community.
It’s officially the dog days of summer, and we’ve got all the tips you need to get you through. From where to catch free live music to how to score cheap and sustainable school supplies, here’s what you need to know. Plus, keep up with the best events the city has to offer.
For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.
If you enjoyed today’s interview with Revolution Brewing’s founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.
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If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.
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Chicago has more breweries than any other city in the country. So as we continue our series of summer beverage guides, we’re giving you the best places to start and what to order when you get there. Executive producer Simone Alicea talks with Adam Drakulic, founder of Chicago Walking Brewery Tours, about Chicago’s brewing history and how to truly make the most of the craft beer scene.
Spots mentioned:
Some Good News: Look up to see meteor showers or the Northern Lights this week. And check out our guide to stargazing.
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Episode Description: The new Damen Green Line stop is set to open Monday, just in time for the Democratic National Convention. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro discuss what it took to get here and what the new station means for the area. Plus, heat and storms are here for Lollapalooza weekend, and is that an alligator in Lincoln Park … or is it just a turtle on a log?
Some good news: Hey Chicago Olympics guide
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On Thursday, Chicago’s board of education approved a $9.9 billion budget. But some of the cuts made to fill a $505 million deficit were opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. And the budget doesn’t account for what might come out of ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union. WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp tells host Jacoby Cochran how the district ended up in this financial mess, what could happen between now and the start of school, and about the politics driving it all. Plus, what to expect at a public bargaining session on Tuesday.
Good news: Chicago State of Mind by Achillez
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City officials and service providers say they are preparing for as many as 25,000 asylum-seekers to be sent to Chicago from Republican-led states ahead of next month’s Democratic National Convention. Professor Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join host Jacoby Cochran to discuss the latest including Gov. Pritzker’s potential new role at the convention. Plus, the South Side is welcoming a new health care facility in Englewood, a tech hub and training center in Greater Grand Crossing, and a state-of-the-art Chicago Sky practice facility in Bedford Park.
Restaurants we enjoyed in July:
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